Food Tour in “Little Mogadishu,” Bellville, Cape Town

Overview

Available languages

German

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Bellville’s “Little Mogadishu” has seen a significant transformation in recent years, marked by reduced crime and renewed public spaces. By visiting local restaurants, coffee shops, and traditional stores, we showcase the valuable contributions of immigrant communities to Cape Town’s vibrant food culture. This experience honours their stories and supports responsible, inclusive tourism.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

This immersive food tour invites open-minded foodies to explore Bellville’s hidden culinary treasures the Anthony Bourdain kind of way. Perfect for those eager to go off the beaten path, the experience highlights the food, stories, and resilience of Cape Town’s East African immigrant community. Bellville’s “Little Mogadishu” has seen a significant transformation in recent years, marked by reduced crime and renewed public spaces. By visiting local restaurants, coffee shops, and traditional stores, we showcase the valuable contributions of immigrant communities to Cape Town’s vibrant food culture. This experience honours their stories and supports responsible, inclusive tourism. - Visit four authentic African hidden gem restaurants and community kitchens and savor traditional Somali, Ethiopian and South African dishes prepared by chefs who bring the flavors of the Red Sea to Cape Town - Experience Somali and Ethiopian coffee culture and discover historic and traditional cultural shops shops unique to this area - Learn about Bellville’s immigrant communities have revitalized the neighborhood and contributed to its culinary and multicultural identity.

Sample Menu

starter

Red Sea Region: A Shared Culinary Journey

A selection of dishes served around The Horn of Africa (optionally vegetarian, beef, lamb or chicken)

starter

Tasting South African Braai

We'll be tasting braaied (grilled) chicken from a street vendors

main

Pakistani-Style rice

Shared Pakistani-style rice with optionally veg, lamb or chicken

main

Ethiopian Shared Meal & Coffee Ceremony

Fresh Ethiopian Injera (Optionally beef or vegetarian/vegan)

What‘s Included

Soda/Pop

Bottled water

Welcome Snacks and Drinks

Lunch

Starter, Main and Dessert

Coffee and/or Tea

Options

Food Tour in “Little Mogadishu,” Bellville, Cape Town

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Food for soul
adechinal,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an amazing experience on this food tour! Everything was well organised, relaxed, and full of flavour from start to finish. The selection of food was excellent and gave a real taste of the local culture and hidden gems you wouldn’t easily find on your own. The guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience fun and engaging. I left feeling full, happy, and with a much deeper appreciation for the food scene. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting it’s an absolute must-do!
Discover a truly unique neighbourhood in Cape Town
samiramK1137GH,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The Little Mogadishu tour was filled with amazing food, great energy! Our guide, Dennis, was incredibly knowledgeable about Bellville (and Cape Town in general). We began at a Syrian owned restaurant and ate a mix of shawarma, two types of rice, falling-off-the-bone lamp, and a delicious avocado smoothie popular in Somalia. This was just the beginning! We also tried some of the best Ethiopian food I've had in Cape Town. We noticed bananas on almost every table and learned that Somalis are particularly fond of eating bananas with their food, so we gave it a try (and it was tasty). As we walked around the neighbourhood, we had tender Shisa Nyama, freshly squeezed watermelon and mango juice, a store selling traditional items needed for the Xhosa bush initiation, and tried Somali coffee! As a diasporan who has spent time in other Somali communities, it was a truly unique and incredible experience to learn about Little Mogadishu in Cape Town and the positive impact many people believe the Somali population have had on the City of Cape Town. If you want to learn and eat your way through "Little Mogadishu" Bellville, Unexplored is the way to go. You will not be disappointed!
A fascinating experience
EleanorMuller,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was fascinating experience. We were immersed in a part of the city with which I am not familiar, but with the excellent guides I never felt uncomfortable or out of place. I especially enjoy the deep knowledge the guides have and their ability to translate the unfamiliar into a rich and diverse experience. Highly recommended.
Delicious, informative, fun.
gregmM9220YP,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a wonderful time. Lovely, informative guides. Gave me a feel for the place, but also really good insight into the way things have developed to be the way they are. The food was wonderful and the tour does a wonderful job of showing how the food mirrors the neighbourhood around it. Would recommend.